What to do around Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day weekend
Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s: This year’s event features performances by Liam Durkin, Chancey Brothers and Whiskey Mick. There will also be pipe and drum bands, Irish dancing and activities for the kids. Advance tickets are sold out but a limited number of tickets may be available at the door. March 16 at Amazing Space Event Venue, 625 W. Adams; more information at oldstpats.org/shamrockntheblock
The Screaming Orphans: This Irish band is known for combining their unique take on traditional Irish music with their own original pop songs. 7-9:30 p.m. March 17 at the Mayfair Theatre at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.; tickets are $35 at eventbrite.com
Super Egg Hunt: This event draws upon the classic video game series “Super Mario,” with power-up prizes, mystery blocks and a dinosaur egg hunt. There will be a live DJ, face painting, balloon twisting, and meet-and-greet opportunities with characters. Around 20,000 eggs filled with toys and candy will be scattered around the venue. 2-6 p.m. March 16 at Newcity, 1457 N. Halsted St.; egg hunt participants must be ages 16 and under, tickets at eventbrite.com
St. Patrick’s Day parades: The big parade downtown starts and 12:15 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Columbus and Balbo, heading north on Columbus. But there are plenty of other parades across the city, including the Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Northwest Side Irish Parade and the South Side Irish Parade.
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Alkaline Trio: The punk rock outfit founded in Chicago in 1996 comes home, touring behind “Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs,” the band’s 10th album. 8 p.m. March 16 at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.; general admission tickets (17+) from $72 at livenation.com
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Anniversary Ferris Wheel: There’s a brand new reason to visit the west suburban zoo: Opening this weekend, a 110-foot Ferris wheel to celebrate the zoo’s 90th year of operation. Gondolas on the wheel seat up to six people for rides about eight minutes long, and riders should even be able to see the Chicago skyline from the top, according to an announcement from the zoo. During evening hours, it will illuminate with 350,000 multicolored LED lights. March 15 to Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield; tickets $8 plus admission, czs.org
